Beach-goers are being urged to not venture onto dangerous areas off the west Norfolk coast after three people were rescued by the RNLI.

Volunteers from Hunstanton RNLI team were called by UK Coastguard at 5.10pm today after the trio became cut off by the tide on the banks of Heacham beach.

The H-003 hovercraft was launched and the volunteers rescued the three people, who were brought back safely to the beach.

They were cared for by the local Coastguard response team.

After that emergency the Hunstanton RNLI volunteers on the rescue vessel were told other people were believed to be in trouble towards Snettisham and searched the area.

The hovercraft crew later discovered the people they were looking for were safe on the beach.

Geoff Needham, from Hunstanton RNLI, advised people not to venture out onto the flats or banks, at Hunstanton, Heacham or Snettisham.

He said: “However tempting, tides in this area go out over a mile on big Ebbs, when the tide turns the tidal currents are very strong. Tides are predictable. Weather conditions can change very quickly you can soon be in trouble. Respect The Water stay safe keep off the banks and within your limits. Enjoy your visit.”

The rescue happened after five people were rushed to hospital after getting into difficulties in the sea at Sea Palling at 6.45pm yesterday.

The party, made up of men and women aged in or around their mid-20s, had been enjoying the late evening sunshine on the reefs at Sea Palling when they were cut off by the tide.

They attempted to swim back to shore as the light faded in an area notorious for rip tides.

Two of them had to be plucked to safety by a jet skier after the alarm was raised and all five were taken to hospital by ambulance to be checked for signs of “secondary drowning” after taking on board water.